The High Court has struck out contempt proceedings against one of four water meter protesters in court today for allegedly entering an exclusion zone around meters being installed in Dublin.

Mr Justice Paul Gilligan made the ruling after being informed that the demonstrator had not been identified by name in the legal paperwork that was served on him.

GMC Sierra, the company hired to install meters, is going ahead with a motion which could see three protesters being jailed.

GMC Sierra secured an order stopping protesters coming within 20 metres of water meter installations in Dublin over claims their workers were being harassed.

The company is now looking to potentially imprison or fine the demonstrators who they say are in breach of this order from November fifth.

Barrister Jim O'Callaghan alleges they have video evidence to prove the protesters are in contempt.

He said in sworn statements none of the three denied breaching the exclusion zone. Because he says the facts are not in dispute, he is opposing a request by the protesters to be allowed cross examine GMC Sierra's witnesses.

Patrick McGrath for the protesters says they have a right to grill GMC Sierra's witnesses, because the sanctions they are facing – namely prison, make these similar to criminal proceedings

Mr Justice Gilligan will decide the issue this afternoon.

Originally published: 12.15